Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson wrote this 1968 blues-rock classic inspired by Texas bluesman Henry Thomas' 1928 "Bull Doze Blues". Wilson was a blues scholar and his L.A.-based band promoted the genre and its early artists. It has been dubbed "a rural hippie anthem". Escaping the mayhem and pressure of city life and searching for a simpler existence close to nature. Some say, however, it is about draft-dodging. We'll never know, as "Blind Owl" took his own life in 1970 at age 27 (part of "The 27 Club"). #11 on Billboard Hot 100. Session musician Jim Horn laid down the trademark flute lines emulating Thomas' quills (early American panpipes). The band performed it at Woodstock. Song? Group? Answer: "Going (Goin') Up the Country" by Canned Heat. Ultra-cool cats! The band took their name from a 1928 Tommy Johnson blues tune. Ardent students of the genre - Alan "Blind...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Dubbed "the archetypal protest song", this 1963 Bob Dylan folk anthem was inspired by Irish and Scottish ballads as well as by Mark 10:31. Dylan described it as "definitely a song with a purpose", mirroring the turmoil of the era and the Civil Rights movement. Written less than one month before President Kennedy's assassination, Dylan opened a concert with it the night after the tragic event. Ranked #59 among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Covered by, among many others, Simon & Garfunkel ('64), Peter, Paul & Mary ('64) and The Byrds ('65). Song? Answer: "The Times They Are a-Changin' " by Bob Dylan. Not that I'm a jangleholic or anything but The Byrds' version just happens to be my favorite! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90WD_ats6eE&list=RD90WD_ats6eE&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG90HiYFJpU&list=RDeG90HiYFJpU&start_radio=1 h...

OK, girls and boys, let's go WAY back: Marianne Harriet Mason was the first woman to archive and publish traditional American songs with piano accompaniment. This 1877 folk tune first appeared on her "Miss H. M. Mason's Book of Nursery Rhymes and Country Songs". Music was added by Harry Von Tilzer in 1912. It is said to have triggered a folk reveval in those days. Very similar to the traditional Irish folk tune "The Rattlin' Bog". It has since become a popular children's song. Starts with a hole in the ground and grows (hint, hint!) from there. Released by Jewel in 2011. Recently featured in a J.P. Morgan Chase TV commercial sung by Grammy and Pulutzer Prize winner Rhiannon Giddens. An eclectic North Carolina folk singer, fiddler and banjo player. Song? Answer: "(And) The Green Grass Grew All Around". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6abOixT7rRk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI4-230geDs&list=RDBI4-230geDs&start_radio...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: A masterful Canadian singer/songwriter penned this 1974 folk-jazz fusion classic after a trip to Europe (hint, hint!) with music agent/promoter David Geffen. He was unhappy despite his wealth and power - it speaks of the pressures the music industry exerts upon artists. Peaked at #22. Jose Feliciano happened to be in the studio and laid a 2nd guitar track over Larry Carlton's. David Crosby and Graham Nash sing backup vocals. Artist? Song? Answer: "Free Man in Paris" by Joni Mitchell. I saw her do it live at Philly's Spectrum in '76 - blew me away! She is the undisputed master of alternate guitar tunings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW_IS-DPZ1E&list=RDxW_IS-DPZ1E&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: Billy Joel wrote this plaintive 1976 pop ballad to mirror a Baroque round a la J.S. Bach. It appeared in his "Turnstiles" album that same year. An unfeigned conversation between two childhood friends about the different paths they had taken in life. A reflection on the choices they've made amid societal and familial pressures and expectations. One chose a conservative and stable career while the other pursued life on the road. Based on a combination of friends from his past. Sublime soprano sax solo by Richie Cannata, Billy's original saxophonist before Mark Rivera. Billy plays a haunting accompaniment throughout the song using his Fender Rhodes Mark I electric piano. Song? Answer: "James" by Billy Joel. I had just about completely forgotten about this treasure until I heard it again as part of the score for the 2002 musical "Movin' Out", featuring Billy's music and choreographed by the magni...

OK, boys and girls, more Fabdom: This 1963 John Lennon composition was the first track of their second album and the first original tune written for it. John's lead vocals were double-tracked and it features call-and-response between him and Macca/George, with 56 "yeahs" (!). First song ever performed live by Neil Young - at his high school's cafeteria. Very nicely covered by Evan Rachel Wood in "Across the Universe" (2007). Song? Answer: "It Won't Be Long" by The Beatles. One of my favorite early Beatles tunes. Always grateful to George for teaching us how to use 6th and 9th chords! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVKU6SevefY&list=RDUVKU6SevefY&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpkL5oLqEz8&list=RDmpkL5oLqEz8&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: It was the late 1980s and commercial fishing in Long Island was being threatened by overfishing and lack of quotas, leading to depletion of fish stocks and closure of their largest striped-bass (hint, hint!) fishery. This deeply affected Long Island resident Billy Joel. He then had, and still owns, a 36-foot swordfish (hint, hint!) and lobster power fishing boat which he had named after his daughter with supermodel, and then wife, Christie Brinkley. He wrote a powerful 1989 tune about a Long Island fisherman who had fallen on hard times and was finding it difficult making ends meet and keeping his vessel. The strong percussion mimics the rocking of the boat on the ocean. Memorable violin accompaniment by virtuoso Itzhak Perlman as well as dual accordions by Joel and Dominic Cortese. #57 Billboard Hot 100, Certified Gold. Song? Answer: "The Downeaster 'Alexa' " by Billy Joel. A downeaster is a power fishing boat like the ...

OK, girls and boys, more 60s British Invasion: It was 1963 and Sir Paul McCartney was dating actress Jane Asher. Soon thereafter, he moved into the Asher household in London, rooming with her brother Peter until Paul relocated to their attic. Around that same time, Peter teamed up with Gordon Waller and they became the pop duo Peter and Gordon. Sir Paul "gave" them their debut single "World Without Love", a major worldwide hit which topped both the U.S and UK charts. He gave them three more songs: "Nobody I Know" and "Woman" (not to be confused with John Lennon's "Woman" years later). In those early days, the credits went to "McCartney/Lennon". The third song was a poignant 1964 soft-rock ballad about lost love and regret. It peaked at #16 on Billboard's Hot 100. Paul and Jane broke up in 1968, the same year that Peter and Gordon disbanded. Gordon Waller left us in 2009. Song? Answer: "I Don't Wa...

OK, boys and girls, a little more jingle-jangle: This 1959 King Solomon(!)/Pete Seeger composition was first recorded by The Limeliters in 1962. Their backup banjo player, Jim McGuinn, originally arranged it for Judy Collins. Until his death in 2014, Seeger gave 45% of the royalties to the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, as he felt that he only wrote 6 words of the song (Ecclesiastes 3:1). 3rd single for The Byrds - #1 in late '65. Song? Answer: "Turn, Turn, Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)". This song was my first exposure to The Byrds by a very dear childhood friend (you know who you are!) and it was the beginning of a lifelong passion with the group and its music. To this day, they are still my favorite band. Everything except "I swear it's not too late" comes from the Old Testament. Featured in "Forrest Gump". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVOJla2vYx8&list=RDxVOJla2vYx8&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watc...

OK, girls and boys, a little more 70s bubblegum: This 1970 Tony Romeo bubblegum-pop composition was released the same day as the TV debut of "The Partridge Family", being played twice during the 1st season. It topped the charts two months later. Only David Cassidy and his real-life stepmother Shirley Jones participated in the recording - the rest were studio musicians. The "group" had 6 more Top 40 hits between '70 and '74. Song? Answer: "I Think I Love You" by The Partridge Family. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJYSu2OVCGM

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: Former Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis co-wrote this classic 1939 lullaby with Charles Mitchell based upon an Oliver Hood tune. The upbeat and cheerful melody belies the theme of lost love and regret. First recorded in '39 by The Pine Ridge Boys and by The Rice Brothers Gang. Davis recorded it in 1940 backed by the Charles Mitchell Orchestra. Bing Crosby (#20 in '41) and Gene Autry popularized it. Ray Charles took it to #7 in '62. It has been translated into over 30 languages and has been covered by over 300 artists. Song? Answer: "You Are My Sunshine". It is one of Louisiana's state songs. Davis used to sing it during campaign rallies while riding on his horse "Sunshine". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvPolI-pBCw&list=RDxvPolI-pBCw&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oqjF-txkZ8&list=RD4oqjF-txkZ8&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckKeQNCyPBU&list=RDckKeQNCyPBU&s...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: It was early 1967 and Justin Hayward was sitting in Lypiatt Park in West England with his guitar. The sheer beauty of the natural surroundings inspired him to compose this classic 1967-68 baroque-pop ballad. A serene and introspective piece about finding meaning in every moment. It was released as a single in '67 and as part of his group's "Days of Future Passed" album in '68. The album chronicles a typical day (hint, hint!). Haunting Mellotron accompaniment by Mike Pinder and sublime flute solo by Ray Thomas. It has been used in a VISA TV ad. Song? Group? Answer: "Tuesday Afternoon" by The Moody Blues. The group formed in Birmingham, England in 1964 with Denny Laine on lead vocals and guitar, Clint Warwick on bass, Ray Thomas on flute, tambourine and vocals, Mike Pinder on keyboards and vocals and Graeme Edge on drums. In 1966, Laine and Warwick were replaced by Justin Hayward and John Lodge. Thomas, L...

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Massachusetts singer/songwriter happened to be listening to Porter Wagoner sing a gospel song when he was inspired to write his own, even though he knew nothing about the genre. It took him fifteen minutes to do so! Even though he is Jewish, the song references Jesus. The result was a worldwide monster boogie-rock classic hit for him in late 1969, his only one ever. #3 Billboard Hot 100, Certified Gold and #333 among Rolling Stone Magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All time". It features the singer himself on a Fender Telecaster with a Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone circuit, creating the trademark guitar line heard through the song. To this day, it is still widely used as a funeral song. Has been extensively used in commercials (Kellogg's and Nike), TV shows (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Landman) and movies (Wayne's World 2, Apollo 13, Ocean's Eleven). Song? Singer/songwriter/guitarist? Answer: "Spirit in the Sk...

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: This short-lived NYC band's only hit came in 1977 (#18 Billboard) with their adaptation of an 18th Century African-American marching cadence work song. Lead Belly's version was sung a capella - the song is often credited to him. Odetta covered it in '64. Still unclear as to whether the title refers to a girl, a flint-lock musket or a whip. Boycotted by the NAACP. Band? Song? Answer: "Black Betty" by Ram Jam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cn_woPvjQI&list=RD4cn_woPvjQI&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Composer brothers Don and Dick Addrisi first offered this 1967 romantic ballad to The Lettermen, who rejected it. Inspired by Don Addrisi's wife. The Association first recorded it and, by the time it was Certified Gold, it had already been covered 16 times. Certified Platinum, #2 Billboard, #1 Cashbox. BMI's song with 2nd most U.S. airplay in the 20th Century surpassed only by "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' " and followed by "Yesterday". The 5th Dimension's cover peaked at #12 in '71 and Blue Suede's at #7 in '74. Song? Answer: "Never My Love" by The Association. We had the privilege of seeing them on the Flower Power Cruise a few years ago. They still sound pretty doggone good! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzgpB9xpyT8&list=RDUzgpB9xpyT8&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Bob Marley penned this roots reggae classic in 1977 and was featured on his "Exodus" album that same year. Re-released as a single in 1980 (UK #17). To this day, it is still a matter of controversy as to whether he wrote it about the way Jamaicans had to grow marijuana in those days, the canaries that would fly close to the window at his Hope Road Studio, or about the female members of the reggae group Three (hint, hint!). We'll never know, as he left us in 1981. Many believe that the song's title is either "Don't Worry About a Thing" or "Every Little Thing is Gonna Be Allright". It has recently been rediscovered by a whole new generation as the background music to the Sandals Resorts TV ads "get closer to the Caribbean". Song? Answer: "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley and The Wailers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNBCVM4KbUM&list=RDHNBCVM4KbUM&start_radio=1 https://w...

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Tampa, FL pop group's only hit came in 1969 with a romantic Jack Sigler, Jr. soft rock ballad. He wrote it for his girlfriend, who later became his wife. The ensemble formed while the members were still attending Brandon High School. It peaked at #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 and on Adult Contemporary. Over a million copies sold in 4 months. RIAA Certified Gold. Featured on the "Fireball Jungle" soundtrack (Lon Chaney's last movie). Group? Song? Answer: "Love (Can Make You Happy)" by Mercy. Fond memories from the soundtrack of the most fun summer ever - 1969 - between our Jr. and Sr. years in high-school. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqqE3VU1icc&list=RDTqqE3VU1icc&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This Jamaica, Queens R&B/Soul quintet started out as The Hearts but changed its name in 1955. Their biggest hit, a poignant doo-wop ballad, was co-written in 1956 by James Sheppard and Wm. H. Miller when Sheppard's girlfriend moved to Texas. Recorded in '56 and released in '57 (#53 Billboard, #5 R&B). Part of the "American Graffiti" soundtrack ('73). Covered by The Fleetwoods, The Diamonds and Harry Nilsson. Sheppard left the group shortly after and formed his own ensemble, Shep and The Limelites. In 1961, they released an "answer" song that peaked at #2. Group? Song? "Answer" song? Answer: "A Thousand Miles Away" by the Heartbeats. "Answer" song: "Daddy's Home" by Shep and The Limelites. Doo-wop at its best! ...I'm not a thousand miles awayyyyyy... I love the "ra-ta-ta-tat" harmony chorus on "Daddy's Home". The girlfriend lit...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: It was 1973. Billy Joel and his first wife/magager Elizabeth Weber had just moved to California under contract to record two albums. They were so broke that he could not afford to buy her a Valentine's Day present. Instead, he wrote her an introspective, warm and romantic pop ballad. It was the B-side to "Piano Man" and was featured on the "Piano Man" and "Songs in the Attic" albums. Delightful acoustic finger-picked guitar as well as pedal-steel, giving it a country flavor. Covered by Helen Reddy with full orchestra. Song? Answer: "You're My Home" by Billy Joel. It wasn't a big hit for him but it is one of so many of his songs that, as bad a day as you might be having, it'll warm your heart when you listen to it. BTW, there's a new two-part Billy Joel documentary on HBO Max titled "Billy Joel: And So it Goes". Highly recommend it if you're a fan! He has recently ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Chuck Berry dedicated this somewhat autobiographic 1955 rock & roll classic to his long-time pianist. Curiously, Lafayette Leake tickled the ivories on it rather than the dedicatee. The title also alludes to the street where Berry was born in St. Louis. The signature opening guitar riff comes from Carl Hogan on Louis Jordan's "Ain't That Just Like A Woman". It peaked at #2 R&B and #8 Pop in '58. #1 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time. Classic version by Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly on "Back to the Future" ('85). Killer rendition by The Beach Boys to close their 1964 "Beach Boys Concert" album. Song? Answer: "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry. One of the most instantly recognizable tunes in rock. Inspired by Johnnie Johnson, the B. may come from Berry, who was born on Goode Ave. in St. Louis. Chuck Berry left us in 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ROwV...

OK, boys and girls, a little more Country: This Mississippi-born Country Music giant left us in 2010 at the age of 74. Best known as a prolific composer, he was also a very respectable recording artist, charting 7 times between '62 and '80. Credited with discovering Willie Nelson at Tootsie's Orchard Lounge in Nashvillle. Some faves include "I Fall to Pieces", "Make the World Go Away", "A Little Bitty Tear" and "The Chair", my #1 George Strait tune. Composer? Answer: Hank Cochran. Incredible catalog! His list of interpreters reads like a who's-who in Country Music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Nh-NsqBsGE&list=RD_Nh-NsqBsGE&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This Alan Merrill/Jake Hooker rock (hint, hint!) anthem was first recorded by The Arrows in 1975. A young Philly native saw them in England while touring with her first band, The Runaways. She recorded her original version in '79 with Sex Pistols Steve Jones and Paul Cook. She then re-recorded it in '81 with her own band, spending 7 weeks at #1 and RIAA Certified Platinum. The original video was retooled with Mike Myers and Dana Carvey for "Wayne's World 2". Song? Artist? Answer: "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMsazR6Tnf8&list=RDwMsazR6Tnf8&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, more British Invasion: This Sonny Bono/Jack Nitzsche collaboration was first recorded by Jackie DeShannon in 1963 (#1 UK, #84 US). Heartache and lingering emotions after a painful breakup. The Searchers' 1964 version (#13 US, #1 UK) features two 6-string electric guitars played in unison with the echo switch accidentally left on, sounding like a 12-string! The squeak heard throughout the song is from a faulty bass-drum pedal. Very respectable cover by Los Challengers in Puerto Rico (1969). Song? Answer: "Needles and Pins" by The Searchers. Jingle-jangle at its best! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0oP8e02dpk&list=RDS0oP8e02dpk&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSbM_Zmx9kA&list=RDSSbM_Zmx9kA&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHXOPKMBhR0&list=RDfHXOPKMBhR0&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This 1966 Sandy Linzer/Denny Randell composition peaked at #13 on Billboard's Hot 100 for The Four Seasons. Their 1st hit with new bassist/bass-vocalist Joe Long and their 17th (hint, hint!) single. It ties Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife" for the most key changes in a pop song (5!). Starts on F# and ends on B! (Obviously NOT a guitar player's tune!!!) Song? Answer: "Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'Bout Me)". It was the 17th single released by the group, thus the title. I don't know about any other guitar players out there, but I HATE key changes! I think those mean ol' piano players do it on purpose just to irritate us! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y5b0fg_ZwE&list=RD0Y5b0fg_ZwE&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This Memphis native was a founding member of The Rock and Roll Trio. His first hit, "Dreamin' ", peaked at #11 in 1960. His biggest hit was a Sherman Brothers composition that went up to #8 in '60 and was a Certified Gold Disc. Part of the "American Graffiti" soundtrack ('73). Ringo Starr's '74 cover topped the charts. It features Harry Nilsson on background vocals and Macca on kazoo, making it the only #1 hit ever to feature a kazoo solo. Carrie Fisher appears on the '78 video. Artist? Biggest hit? Answer: "You're Sixteen" by Johnny Burnette. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6rWamHseRg&list=RDf6rWamHseRg&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ainB6qnWBI&list=RD8ainB6qnWBI&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 00s ("aughts"): This 2000 Lundin/Schulze/Carlsson dance-pop composition was the 1st single released from a boy-band's 2nd album (best-selling album of the 2000s at 10M+). It peaked at #4. Still unclear as to whether it deals with their breaking from their manager and record label OR a boy who wants to leave a girlfriend he once loved. Added to a record 200 radio stations' playlists in 1 week. Song? Group? Album? Answer: Actually, this is WAY out of my comfort zone but some of my "younger"(!) friends have complained that my music is TOO OLD (no respect for the ol' guy!)! "Bye, Bye, Bye" by NSYNC from their "No Strings Attached" album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo-KmOd3i7s&list=RDEo-KmOd3i7s&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 90s: This Minneapolis-based alt-rock, quasi-one-hit-wonder band went multi-platinum and peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot 100 with a folk-rock tune about missing teenagers. It won the Grammy for Best Rock Song of 1994. The video showed names and pictures of up to 36 actual missing teens during the chorus and is credited for reuniting some of them with their families. Band? Song? Answer: "Runaway Train" by Soul Asylum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRtvqT_wMeY&list=RDNRtvqT_wMeY&start_radio=1

OK, girls (hint, hint!) and boys, back to the 60s: This classic bossa nova was written in 1962 by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes. They would sit at the Veloso cafe/bar in Rio and watch this beautiful bikini-clad 15-year-old "garota" stop by and buy cigarettes for her mother on her way to the beach. First recorded in '62 by Pery Ribeiro. Astrud Gilberto's version won the Record of the Year Grammy in 1965. Song? Answer: "The Girl from Ipanema" ("Garota de Ipanema"). Heloisa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto (Helo Pinheiro) was the inspiration. The original version by Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto, Jobim and Astrud Gilberto peaked at #5 in '64. I'm proud to say that my father's first cousin, Olga Albizu, may she rest in peace, painted the cover for the original Verve album. Sadly, the great Astrud Gilberto left us in 2023. I have no idea how those Brazilians come up with their guitar chords! Certainly, not in any chord book I've e...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This bright and optimistic 1968 Bob Thiele/George David Weiss composition was a breath of fresh air amidst the turmoil of the late 60s. A simple tune about appreciating the beauty (hint, hint!) of your surroundings. First offered to Tony Bennett, who declined it. Louis Armstrong recorded it for $250, so his orchestra could get paid! The biggest hit single in the UK in '68, it was not promoted in the U.S. "Discovered" in the U.S. in '87 as part of the "Good Morning, Vietnam" soundtrack, it peaked at #32 in '88. This was THE last song performed on-stage by the late great Eva Cassidy before her untimely death in '96. Beautiful medley with "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole in '93. Song? Answer: "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. A song that'll make anyone's day! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBrd_3VMC3c&list=RDrBrd_3VMC3c&start_radio=1 https://www.you...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This Phil Medley/Bert Russell composition was first recorded in 1961 by The Top Notes - produced by Phil Spector. The Isley Brothers' '62 version was a Top 20 hit in both Pop and R&B. The Beatles' rendition in '64, with Lennon on lead vocals, reached #1 on Cashbox. Highly evocative of Ritchie Valens' '58 "La Bamba". A newly-found sense of freedom and expression among the youth of the day. Featured in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and Rodney Dangerfield's "Back To School". Song? Answer: "Twist and Shout". Now, THAT'S when The Beatles were The Beatles!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-VAxGJdJeQ&list=RDb-VAxGJdJeQ&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, more British Invasion: This Rod Argent composition was The Zombies' first single and their biggest hit, peaking at #2 U.S. and #12 UK in 1964. Anger and denial after a failed relationship. Argent's distinctive keyboard line on the Hohner Pianet marked the first use of the electric piano as lead instrument during the British Invasion. Recorded in one take (!), the chord progressions were inspired by Brian Hyland's "Sealed With A Kiss". #297 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Masterfully covered by The Ventures on their "Knock Me Out!" album. Santana's version peaked at #27 in '77. Song? For extra credit, name the Zombies' two other Top 10 hits. Answer: "She's Not There" by The Zombies. "Tell Her No" and "Time of the Season" were their other two Top 10 hits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2hXBf1DakE&list=RD_2hXBf1DakE&start_radio=1 https://www.yout...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: It was the summer (hint, hint!) of 1975 and Billy Joel decided to move back to New York after spending three years in L.A. recording two albums. His marriage to his first wife, Elizabeth Weber, was failing and his manic-depressive condition was taking its toll on his personal life and career. He relocated to a quaint village 50 miles north of NYC, where he penned this song about mental illness and strained interpersonal relations. It became the second track on his 1976 "Turnstiles" album but was never released as a single. Some say that it is his finest composition. Haunting rising and falling rolling arpeggios with the left hand playing "depression" and the right hand playing a bouncy "manic". A staple of his live appearances. The two opening lines have become very popular in high-school yearbooks and graduations. Very seldom does a cover version of a tune surpass the original but, in my humble opinion, Peter,...

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: London-based songwriters Tony Macaulay and Barry Mason penned this 1970 (great year!) bubblegum-pop classic as a tribute to a free-spirited and charismatic girl. First recorded by Jefferson but never released. Session singer Tony Burrows had had a string of one-hit wonder songs and the composers wanted him to record it. They contacted Greenfield Hammer, a local band, changed its name and they backed up Burrows during the recording. It became their debut single and only hit. #1 UK for 5 weeks, #5 U.S.; massive global success. Included in the "Shallow Hal" soundtrack. It has recently experienced a resurgence due to a TikTok video trend. Song? For extra credit, name Tony Burrows other four one-hit wonder songs as lead singer and bands. Answer: "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" by Edison Lighthouse. Fond memories of my high-school graduation year with this and many other great tunes in the background. Other...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Described as "a paean to marijuana", this 1966 Tandyn Almer composition was L.A.-based The Association's first hit, peaking at #7. The great Leonard Bernstein used it as an example of the Dorian Mode in his "Young People's Concert - What Is A Mode?" - "...and that is why (song title) sounds so primitive and earthy". Covered by The Manhattan Transfer and was a minor hit for The Baja Marimba Band. Song? Answer: "Along Comes Mary" by the Association. ... just like The Stones' "Lady Jane". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYJhhKSXOBo&list=RDsYJhhKSXOBo&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This 1988 Phillips/McKenzie/Love/Melcher composition about a fictional place was originally titled "The Beer Song". The Beach Boys' last #1 hit. Part of Tom Cruise's "Cocktail" soundtrack. The only Beach Boys #1 hit not written or produced by Brian Wilson. Brian was not in the recording either. First Beach Boys #1 since "Good Vibrations" in '66, making it then the longest time span (22 yrs.) between #1 hits for any act. Song? Answer: "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys. We saw them do it live in Vegas in Nov. 1988, the night it became #1 - they were pretty happy - the fact that they had the UNLV cheerleaders on stage with them made it even better. Sadly, we recently lost Brian. That big ol' rock band in heaven got itself another giant! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXB4LspLQE0&list=RDWXB4LspLQE0&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Percy Mayfield penned and first recorded this rhythm and blues standard in 1960. His good friend Ray Charles took it to #1 in both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B charts in '61. The second one of Charles' three #1 pop hits. His then lover Margie Hendricks of The Raelettes sings the lead background vocals. Grammy winner in '61 for Best Male R&B Recording. No. 377 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Very popular in sporting events when a player is ejected or replaced. Song? For extra credit, name Ray Charles' other two #1 Pop hits. Answer: "Hit the Road, Jack" by Ray Charles. His other two POP #1's were "Georgia On My Mind" and "I Can't Stop Loving You". He had many others on the R&B charts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyVuYAHiZb8&list=RDCyVuYAHiZb8&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3JxTTT5dAM&list=RDi3JxTTT5dAM&start_radio=1

OK, boys (hint, hint!) and girls, this one goes to the Birthday bloke (85 today!): This 1963 John Lennon composition was the B-side to "I Want To Hold Your Hand" in the UK. Performed during the Beatles 2nd appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Emulates Smokey Robinson. First Beatles tune to be commented on by a music critic - "pendiatonic clusters (!)". An instrumental version plays on "A Hard Day's Night" during the dedicatee's "big scene". B-day bloke? Song? Answer: "This Boy (Ringo's Theme)" by The Beatles. One of their greatest love ballads. Deceivingly intricate 3-part harmonies even though, as always, they made it look easy. Even though I'm not a drummer, Sir Richard was always, and still is, my favorite Beatle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW5D7HpYhBU&list=RDlW5D7HpYhBU&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, more pop tunes inspired by the classics: Barry Manilow co-wrote this romantic 1973 ballad with Adrienne Anderson and Tony Orlando for his debut album. He re-released as a single in '75, peaking at #6. Based upon Chopin's Prelude in C-minor, Op. 28, No. 20. Melissa Manchester figures in the lyrics. Song? Answer: "Could It Be Magic?" by Barry Manilow. "Sweet Melissa, angel of my lifetime" is a reference to Melissa Manchester, his label-mate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE2xWITnqBM&list=RDKE2xWITnqBM&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeX4X_1_lo0&list=RDXeX4X_1_lo0&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 1800s: Inspired by Ilya Repin's famous painting of "burlaks" from the days of Tsarist Russia, this traditional shipboard working song was first published by Mily Balakirev in 1866. Popularized by Russian basso Feodor Chaliapin. Glenn Miller's jazz adaptation topped the charts in 1941. It has become a musical symbol of toil, doom, despair and devotion to duty. Used frequently in Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny and The Three Stooges shorts. Song? Answer: "The Song of the Volga Boatmen". A big item in my "bucket list" has always been going to St. Petersburg, Russia to see The Hermitage, the palaces and Tchaikovsky's and Dostoevsky's graves. Unfortunately, at this point, travel to Russia is not allowed and I don't think that is going to change anytime soon. Fortunately, however, The Hermitage has a superb virtual tour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3Ys37dFXuY&list=RDI3Ys37dFXuY&start_radio=1 http...

OK, girls and boys, more pop tunes based upon the classics: This beautiful romantic ballad was composed by Robert Wright and George Forrest for the 1953 musical "Kismet". It was inspired by Alexander Borodin's "Gliding Dance of the Maidens" from his "Polovtsian Dances". Tony Bennett's 1953 version is perhaps its most popular rendition. Song? Answer: "Stranger In Paradise". I grew up listening to Bing Crosby's (my Dad's fave) version on the ol' Bogen Hi-Fi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzA8gwfJr9I&list=RDjzA8gwfJr9I&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhFnhwoH5AE&list=RDfhFnhwoH5AE&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiexn6O9To4&list=RDwiexn6O9To4&start_radio=1&t=49s

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This British pop group started out as Pinkerton's Assorted Colours. Their only hit, a Mcaulay/Stephens pop ballad, peaked at #5 on Billboard in 1969 but did not chart in the UK. A tender song of consolation. The group eventually morphed into another one-hit wonder, Edison Lighthouse, as in "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)". Group? Song? Answer: "Smile a Little Smile for Me" by The Flying Machine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR3xcZ-osqE&list=RDBR3xcZ-osqE&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Burt Bacharach intended for this classic 1967 romantic ballad to be an instrumental when he wrote it for "Casino Royale", inspired by Ursula Andress(!). Hal David added lyrics later on, to be sung by Dusty Springfield, as it appeared on the movie's soundtrack. Her version was Oscar-nominated and made the Top 40. Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66's cover, with Janis Hansen on vocals, peaked at #4 in '68. Diana Krall's '06 rendition hit the Top 10 and went Platinum. Part of the first Austin Powers film ('97) sung by Susanna Hoffs (yeah, Baby, yeah!). Song? Answer: "The Look of Love". In her heyday, Ursula Andress was mighty inspiring! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf1d65OHYXo&list=RDTf1d65OHYXo&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAFYlBg_1u0&list=RDHAFYlBg_1u0&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr8xDSPjII8&list=RDYr8xDSPjII8&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com...